Social Media Guidlines
for Students/Employees
Introduction
The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) aims to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all its students, faculty, management, all stakeholders and individual visitors who access its facilities and services. This applies to all environments including social media.
For the purposes of these guidelines, the term Social Media refers to online channels of communication that allow users to interact in the public domain by sharing information, opinions, knowledge and interest.
It includes, but is not limited to, social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, wikis and blogs.
IoBM has a number of official accounts on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube where the opinions expressed and information shared reflect the views of IoBM as a corporate body.
Purposes And Objectives
These guidelines are designed to provide advice and guidance to IoBM students and employees who are using (or considering using) social media in any capacity.
It has been compiled to assist students and employees to understand the reputational, legal and ethical implications of engaging in online communication of this nature, what can happen if social media is misused, and how to safeguard students’ and employees wellbeing, personal security, current/future career prospects and the reputation of IoBM.
Misuse of Social Media
- The Institute has the right to request the removal of content from an official social media account and from a personal account if it is deemed that the account or its submissions pose a risk to the reputation of the Institute or to that of one of its members.
- Students who post views, opinions or images online in breach of these Guidelines may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Prospective employers may troll social media sites as part of their selection process and the social media posts that you make could undermine your future employment prospects.
Staying Safe Online
- Only post what you would be happy for your parents, faculty and prospective employers to see/read
- Remember that everything your post online is public, even with the strictest privacy settings. Once something is posted online, it can be copied and redistributed, and it is easy to lose control of it. Presume that everything posted online will be permanent and shared
- Think before you send. Avoid posting anything when you are under the weather or feeling angry – you may regret it the next day but it could be viral by then
- Remember that what is a ‘joke’ to one person may feel like bullying and harassment to someone else. Institute of Business Management doesn’t tolerate bullying and harassment. If you feel bullied on-line, seek advice from the Proctor.
- Do not post things that may be considered offensive or make ‘joke’ threats.
- Ensure that you protect your personal information and that of others that could be misused (e.g. home address, telephone number, date of birth)
- Think about who you want to be able to see your information and set privacy settings accordingly. Remember that even with strict privacy settings, others can share your posts so you have no control over who sees them
- Don’t say or write anything that could have a negative impact on the reputation of anyone or any company. Any statement which could have a negative impact on a person (or business’) reputation could lead to accusations of libel / defamation and lawsuits
- Be very cautious about arranging to meet someone you only know on-line.
Principles
1.1 General Responsibilities
- It is the responsibility of students and employees to:
- read and act in accordance with these guidelines.
- read and act in accordance with the rules and guidelines set out by individual Social Media, Social Networking and Website Hosting companies and providers
- Consult with IoBM Social Media Cell and where relevant seek ethical approval before posting, as part of your studies / research, pictures, videos or comments through social media that could be viewed as offensive or as bringing the University into disrepute.
- It is the responsibility of the University to:
- ensure these guidelines are highlighted to students during the Admission process and employees
o ensure these guidelines are highlighted at student and employee induction sessions
o ensure these guidelines are published on the University website
o monitor Institute of Business Management social networking sites and remove inappropriate content
1.2 Responsibilities of Students/Employees in Personal Online/Social Media Presence
- Remember that you are representing the University at all times when posting comments or responding to those made by others.
- Social media sites should not be used for raising and escalating concerns relating to your course, the University, or any members of the University. Seek advice from the relevant department if you have any concerns.
- Ensure that you do not reveal confidential information about the University or its staff, students, partner organisations or stakeholders.
- Comply with relevant professional codes when using social media as part a research study or project.
- Ensure you do not use your site or pages in any way that may compromise your current or future fitness to practice or employability.
- Obtain permission from the IoBM Social Media Cell before using the University’s brand.
- Consult the PR Department if there is any media interest resulting from your online activity.
1.3 Responsibilities of Students/Employees in Personal Online/Socail Media Presence
Be aware that third parties can access profiles and view personal information. This includes pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student and the Institute and can have a negative impact on a student’s future prospects.
- Communication made in a personal capacity through social media must not:
o be unlawful – i.e. breach any Pakistan’s criminal and/or civil legislation,
o include anything that could be considered discriminatory against, or bullying or harassment of, any individual. This includes:
- making offensive or derogatory comments relating to sex, gender reassignment, race (including nationality), disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief or age
- using social media to bully another individual or
- posting images that are discriminatory/offensive or links to such content
o include defamatory comments about individuals or other groups
o bring disrepute upon the University e.g. posting images or links to content likely to bring the University into disrepute. This includes:
- breach copyright e.g. using someone else’s images or content without permission; failing to give acknowledgement where permission has been given to reproduce something;
- breach confidentiality e.g. revealing confidential information owned by the Institute; giving away confidential information about an individual or organisation.
- use the Institute’s logo on personal social media sites
